Heat-shrink tubing is a process of heating cross-linked polyolefin (or other resin) via a hand tool forcing heated air (120°C /248°F) over existing PVC, thermoplastic, or other types of jacketing to further protect or reinforce electrical conductors. Too much heat, and heat-shrink tubing can separate and crack.
In cross-linked polyolefins, the molecules link through main-chain valence bonds or via molecular-chain side groups into a three-dimensional structure. Traditional polyolefins are known to offer excellent electrical insulating properties and strong hydrolysis resistance. Used in thermoplastic, polyolefins offer low levels of corrosive gasses and smoke emission.
Specifically, heat-shrinking seals out moisture, shields conductors from abrasion, protects strain reliefs from acute bend radiuses and reinforces jointed tubing. At Interpower, heat-shrinking is a made-to-order (MTO) assembly and categorized as an “Accessory” on our Web site.
Heat-shrink tubing is designed to shrink in diameter once heated air is forced across its surface. The shrinkage process will adhere the tubing to the surface it’s contacting or overlapping. Applications may include crimped sleeves, uninsulated rings or spade terminals, protection of electrical joints from dust and foreign material, shock and corrosion resistance, and tying and binding cable.
Interpower heat-shrink tubing is available in a 2:1 ratio which decreases sizes by half. For example, an original ½-inch tube will shrink down to ¼ inch.
The colors available for Interpower heat-shrink tubing include black, green-yellow, white, red, blue, yellow, green, brown, and transparent. The flammability rating is VW-1 with a temperature rating of -55°C to 135°C. Sizes available range from 3/64" up to 1/2".
Additional Resources
See the complete line of heat-shrink tubing available at Interpower. In addition to heat-shrink tubing, there are a variety of value-added services available including cable lengths, made-to-order assemblies, and specialized labeling and packaging. Interpower offers same day shipping on in-stock products, and blanket or scheduled orders on all Interpower products.
If you have questions, Interpower offers free technical support. For further assistance, please see Interpower’s contact information below.
